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This article was prepared by Go To Court Lawyers, Australia's largest legal service. For legal advice specific to your situation, call 1300 636 846.
All Australian states and territories have now passed new laws in an attempt to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The new laws amend existing health legislation, making it possible for governments to declare Public Health Emergencies for much longer than they could under the legislation previously. They also make it possible for wide-ranging emergency powers to be exercised, temporarily restricting the freedom of infected individuals.
This article will summarise the changes to Queensland public health laws.
World Health Organisation
On 30 January 2020 the World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Committee decided that the Coronavirus should be declared a Public Health Emergency of International concern. The WHO issued temporary recommendations including that:
“all countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread of 2019-nCoV and to share all data with WHO.”
Duration of public health emergencies
In Queensland, the Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Act has amended the Queensland Health Act. Prior to the amendment, public health emergencies ended seven days after they were declared unless extended for another seven days.
The amendment allows the period of a public health emergency to be extended for a period of up to 90 days. When a public health emergency is declared, the government can exercise emergency powers set out in chapter 8.
Emergency powers
Chapter 8 of the Public Health Act allows for the appointment of emergency officers during public health emergencies under Section 345. These officers have wide-ranging powers to require individuals to do certain things, including requiring a person to answer questions, to direct the movement of people, animals or vehicles around the public health emergency area and to require a person to go to and stay at a stated place or not to enter or remain within a stated place.
Detention
Emergency Officers can order the detention of a person if the person has a serious disease or illness and the person’s behaviour is a risk to public health and it is necessary to detain the person to respond to the public health emergency.
Under Section 349, the detention of an individual requires a written order stating:
- The disease or illness the person has;
- Where they are to be detained;
- When the detention order ends.
A detention order may last up to 96 hours but may be extended by application to a magistrate.
Penalties
A person who fails to comply with a detention order may be fined up to 200 penalty units.
A person who obstructs an emergency officer in the performance of a power may also be fined up to 200 penalty units.
A person who gives false or misleading information to an emergency officer may be fined up to 200 penalty units.
200 penalty units currently equates to $26,690.
Compensation
A person who suffers loss or damage because of the exercise of emergency powers is entitled to compensation. However, this is only the case where the loss or damage arises from an accidental, negligent or unlawful act or omission.
Self-isolation
Persons required to self-isolate for 14 days after testing positive for Coronavirus or after entering the country must ensure their compliance with the self-isolation measures. Failure to do so may attract a fine of up to $13,345 as well as the possibility of a period of imprisonment if non-compliance continues. However, to date, these penalties have not been applied.
Human Biosecurity Control Order
Under Section 60 of the Biosecurity Act, the Commonwealth Government can issue a Human Biosecurity Control Order. This order can be made when a person has a listed human disease and has failed to comply with entry requirements set out in the Biosecurity Act.
Breaching a Human Biosecurity Control Order can attract a fine of up to $63,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.
faqs: - question: 'How long can a public health emergency last in Queensland?' answer: 'A public health emergency in Queensland can now last up to 90 days per extension period. Before the Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Act was passed, emergencies could only be declared for seven days at a time, with extensions also limited to seven days. The amendment significantly expanded the government''s ability to maintain emergency powers for longer periods to manage serious public health threats like the Coronavirus pandemic.' - question: 'Can emergency officers in Queensland legally detain someone during a public health emergency?' answer: 'Yes, emergency officers appointed under Section 345 of the Queensland Public Health Act can legally detain a person during a declared public health emergency. Detention can be ordered if a person has a serious disease or illness and their behaviour poses a risk to public health. Officers also hold broad powers to direct movement, restrict access to certain areas, and require individuals to answer questions throughout the emergency period.' - question: 'How much does it cost to get legal advice about public health emergency laws in Queensland?' answer: 'Go To Court Lawyers offers a fixed consultation fee of $295, giving you access to a qualified Queensland lawyer who can explain your rights under public health emergency legislation. This initial consultation covers your specific situation, helping you understand whether emergency powers have been lawfully applied to you. Having early legal advice can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and determining the best course of action moving forward.' - question: 'What can a lawyer do if I believe my rights were breached during a public health emergency in Queensland?' answer: 'A lawyer can review whether emergency officers followed lawful procedures when exercising their powers against you. They can assess whether any detention, movement restriction, or direction was legally justified under the Queensland Public Health Act. A lawyer can also advise you on challenging unlawful orders, making complaints to relevant authorities, or pursuing legal remedies. Having professional legal representation ensures your rights are properly protected throughout any dispute or legal proceeding.' - question: 'Are there time limits for challenging actions taken against me under Queensland public health emergency laws?' answer: 'Yes, time limits can apply when challenging decisions or actions made under Queensland public health emergency powers. Depending on the nature of your matter, strict timeframes may govern when you can lodge a complaint, seek judicial review, or initiate legal proceedings. Acting promptly is essential to preserving your options. If you believe an emergency officer acted unlawfully or exceeded their authority, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing critical deadlines.' ---Need a Criminal Law lawyer in QLD?
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